On Opening Day at Bowling Green Ballpark, the Hot Rods achieved a franchise milestone with seven stolen bases while Trevor Martin delivered nine strikeouts, leading to a decisive 6-1 victory over the Hudson Valley Renegades.
In the bottom of the first inning, Bowling Green surged ahead against Hudson Valley’s pitcher Sebastian Keane. Chandler Simpson’s leadoff walk set the tone as he stole second base and crossed home plate on a single by Xavier Isaac, putting Bowling Green in the lead 1-0. Cooper Kinney’s subsequent double drove in Isaac, and Kinney himself scored on a sacrifice fly by Hunter Haas, pushing the lead to 3-0. Brock Jones drew a walk, stole second base, and was brought home on an RBI single by Tatem Levins, further extending Bowling Green’s lead to 4-0. However, Hudson Valley’s Jesus Rodriguez narrowed the gap with a home run off Martin in the top of the second inning, making the score 4-1 in favor of the Hot Rods.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Hot Rods added to their lead against reliever Matt Keating. Blake Robertson reached on a fielder’s choice, followed by a single from Simpson and a walk from Brayden Taylor, loading the bases. Isaac then delivered a crucial hit to left field, bringing home Robertson and Simpson, extending Bowling Green’s lead to 6-1.
Martin earned the win, conceding one run, five hits, and striking out nine in 5.0 innings. J.J. Goss pitched 2.0 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out three. Drew Sommers held a scoreless eighth inning, while Whitten recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth.
Bowling Green and Hudson Valley continue their three-game series today with first pitch set for 6:35 PM CT. The Hot Rods will start RHP Alex Cook and the Renegades will go with LHP Kyle Carr.
